Force chain visualisation in the geotechnical centrifuge by means of photoelasticity

Publication Title
Force chain visualisation in the geotechnical centrifuge by means of photoelasticity

Abstract

The photo-elastic technique provides a tool to visualise the force chain network and its changes by means of variations in brightness in a birefringent material. Despite previous works with a focus on the geomechanics of granular materials, there are no applications in the geotechnical centrifuge, missing the opportunity of taking advantage of the augmented inter-granular stresses that result from the increased acceleration field. The objective of this work is twofold: to examine the potential advantages and limitations of the proposed modelling approach, providing guidance on the conditions under which its application is justified; and to demonstrate that the photoelastic technique can be effectively implemented in a centrifuge model. First, we evaluate the alternatives to implement the photoelastic technique in the centrifuge. Then, we study the evolution of the force chain network at different acceleration levels and explore the pull-out of a caisson at different velocities. The recorded evolution of the force chain network provides new insights into the tiptoshaft transition in the caisson bearing capacity. The models explored in this work provide an example of how the use of the photoelastic technique enables a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between soil and geotechnical structures in centrifuge modelling

Authors
Barbara Maria Switala; Miguel Angel Cabrera

Published In

11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)

Theme

Special Session 3: Physical Modelling of Installation of Fixed OWT Foundations